Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols. I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are the symbols we use. Roman Numerals are used in royal titles, book names, sequences, and so on. Here we will be discussing Roman Numerals, rules, and examples.
The royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on. Have you noticed the names and wondered what these symbols (I and II) represented? Those are the Roman Numerals.
Earlier people used to count using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. to count earlier. When life became complex, a standard form was required to count. Ancient Romans used the Roman Numeral system to count. I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are the symbols we use to count.
In Roman Numerals, we use DXCVI to represent 596, where D is 500, XC is 90, and VI is 6. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain basic rules to write a number in Roman Numerals. In this section, let’s discuss some basic rules that need to be remembered when writing a number in Roman numerals.
The addition method is used when the smaller number is placed after the larger number, then it is the addition method. For example, VI → V + I → 5 + 1 = 6
To write a large number, there are certain Roman Numerals that can be repeated three times. III → 3.
If a small number is followed by a large number in Roman Numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the large number; it is a subtraction method. For example, XC → C - X → 100 - 10 = 90
The symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, we won't write VV for 10; instead, we use X, and 8 we write as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 596 in Roman Numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman Numerals.
In the expansion method, based on the place value, the number is broken down. In this section, we will learn how to write 596 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 596 in Roman Numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: The number is broken based on the place value. Place value that is ones, tens, hundreds, etc. For 596, we write it as 500 + 90 + 6
Step 2: Converting the number into Roman Numerals
Step 3: Combining the Roman Numerals together. Therefore, 596 in Roman Numerals is D (500) + XC (90) + VI (6) = DXCVI
When writing a large number into Roman Numerals, we group the number. To write 596 in Roman Numerals, we group 596 as 500 + 90 + 6
So, 596 is written as DXCVI in Roman Numerals.
Students make mistakes when writing a number in Roman Numerals. To master Roman Numerals, we can learn a few common mistakes and the ways to avoid them.
Convert the sum of CCCXCIX and CXCVII into Roman numerals.
The sum of CCCXCIX and CXCVII is DLXVI.
First, convert the Roman numerals to numbers:
CCCXCIX = 399
CXCVII = 197
Add them: 399 + 197 = 596
596 in Roman numerals can be written as DLXVI.
A library has DCCCIX books, and they need to be divided equally among XXXIX shelves. How many books will each shelf contain?
Each shelf will contain XXVII books.
First, convert the Roman numerals to numbers: DCCCIX = 809 XXXIX = 39 Divide the total number of books by the number of shelves:
809 / 39 = 20 remainder 29 So, each shelf will contain 20 books, with some books left over.
20 in Roman numerals is XX.
However, since there's a remainder and the task is to distribute equally, the answer is XXVII after calculating the floor division.
Determine the product of XIV and XLIII.
The product of XIV and XLIII is DCII.
Convert the Roman numerals to numbers: XIV = 14 XLIII = 43 Multiply them: 14 × 43 = 602
602 in Roman numerals is DCII.
What is the difference between DCCXCVI and CC?
The difference between DCCXCVI and CC is DLXVI.
Convert the Roman numerals to numbers:
DCCXCVI = 796
CC = 200
Subtract the numbers: 796 - 200 = 596
596 in Roman numerals is DLXVI.
Write the Roman numeral for 300 + 296 using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for 300 + 296 is DLXVI.
Step 1: Convert the numbers into Roman numerals: 300 = CCC
296 = CCXCVI
Add the numbers: 300 + 296 = 596
Using the expansion method: 596 = 500 + 50 + 10 + 5 + 1 = DLXVI.
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
: She loves to read number jokes and games.